Seal



Aug. 26, 1952 L. G. KRUG 2,608,425

Filed Sept. I 27, 1946 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 @1 In H 0' llllll/ IN VEN TOR.

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Aug. 26, 1952 KRUQ 2,608,425

SEAL

Filed Sept. 27, 1946 2'Sl-lEETS-SHEET 2 INVENTOR.

lama 610449 BY -M, %W

Patented Aug. 26, 1952 fUNlTED zSTATES PATENT OFFICE a a r 5,608,425

- Louis 'Gj Krug. Evanston, 111., assignor to Chicago Rawhide Manufacturing Company, Chicago, .IlL, a'corporation 'of Illinois I Application September 27, 1946, SerialNo. 699,785

The present invention pertains to improve- .ments in a shaft seal of the radial {diaphragnr type adapted to be associated ina well'known" manner with a pair of relatively rotatable parts.

element integral therewith, in as sociation with an annular thrust-transmitting finger spring, said diaphragmhaving a pressure ring integral- 1y bonded thereto which isengagedbysaid spring ina manner to transmit and maintain sealing thrust on said element, withsatisfactory unit pressure and without excessive end force.

Various embodiments of the invention are presemed. herein t purpose of exeniplificatiofif but it will be ppreciated that the invention be produced in other modified-formscomirig equally within the scope of theappended-claims.

In the drawings,

@ ;,2 Claims. (o1.2ss-3) I Fig. 1" is an enlarged view in vertiballongitudin'al section, illustrating the improved seal of thisninvention in accordance with a one embodimentithereofp w s Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view in rear elevation} viewed from the left of Fig.1, further illustrat ldetailsof the combination a a Fig. 3isa fragmentary view in section genand housing members or theilike; a l a erally :similar. to Fig. 1, illustrating the sealas operatively applied toielatively rotatableshaft Fig; 3A- is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the manner of assembling the diato impart a dished ut;

Fig. 4 is an enlargedyfragrnentary "view in" l longitudinal vertical section illustrating an -alternative form of seal, Showingjin solid lines th positionv of the parts in a relaxecl condition and,

in dotted lines, the position of the parts'under operating conditions;

Fig. 5 is a 'fragmentaryview generallys'imilar to Fig. 4; illustrating a furthr {em-- bodiment of the seal; i

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in rear elvatiomf viewed fromthe left of Fig. 5; further il-l1 1str ing structural featuresbf that seal;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig.

5, illustrating a still further embodiment of the seal incorporating features similar to those shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view in longitudinal "axial section illustrating a further modified form of the invention wherein the force transmittingspring additionally serves to lock and transmit torque between the housing and sealing members of the seal Fig. 9 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the seal illustrated in Fig. 8;

FigQlO is a view similar to Fig. 8, illustrating a slightly modified embodiment of the seal having provision for attaining the purposes :noted in connection with that figure; "and Fig. 11 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the seal shown in Fig. 10.

'Referring to the drawings, the reference numeral [0 generally designates-a shaft seal in accordance with one embodiment of my invention-adapted to b'e associated on a shaft H or like partfo'r enga'gementwith a housing 12 or another similar-relatively rotatable part, in the well'knownmanner illustrated in Fig. 3. The seal is of extremely simple and'inexpensive construction, comprisinga sheet metal mounting member; or sleeve Iii-which may be force fitted on the shaft, said mounting member serving to'fixedly engage' and support a flexible sealingmemb'erwhich is generally designated by the reference'numeral H. r 5

Member incorporates an annulan'generally radial diaphragm l5 offlexible material such as rubber, synthetic rubber; a suitably treated fabricor any other flexible material or compositiori suited to the" purposesandrequirements oi The radial dimension of diaphragm the seal. 15 may be varied in accordance with the needs of-theinstallation. Adjacentits outer periphery" diaphragm IS-is-prfovidedwith an enlarged,- forwardly projecting sealing element or nose piece lfiygenerall'y in-'theform of a 'cylin'drical sleeve extending coaxial with the mounting; sleeve I 3, in radially outwardly spaced relation thereto. Elementft; has afac e sealing surface l'l 'o f relatively smalljradial width, for engagement "i withthe housing l2 under' relatively-high unit pressure for a comparatively slight f-axial force. The sealing element 16'; is peripherally rabbeted at its rear outer edge for the reception of an' annular confining and pressure-transmitting j h pedfcross-sectional.cute j line; gThis pressiire ring is prefera'bly integral ly boncled'adhesiyely' tb the" sealing element as by vulcanization and affords a rear annular bearing surface 23 for the application of axial sealing pressure to the element H5, in the manner described.

The inner periphery of diaphragm I5 is fixedly clamped between a radially outwardly spun, annular flange [9 on the mounting sleeve l3 and a separate similarly conformed clamping mem-- ber 20. Member 2E: preferably is telescoped over 7 sleeve 13 with a force fit and serves to hold the diaphragm in fixed relation to the: mounting member or sleeve [3.

The clamping member 23 also serves to clamp an annular finger spring 2| in fixed relation to the mounting member I3. Spring 2! is of a wellknown type, having an inner diameter equal to that of the diaphragm and is disposed and clamped rearwardly of said diaphragm, between the same and the flange l9. Said spring is of generally conical outline, provided with a multiplicity of radially outwardly directed, spaced flexible'finger's 22. These fingers bear againstthe rear bearing surface of the pressure ring l8' so that when the seal is installed in the manner illustrated in Fig. 3, the spring fingers 22 are flexed rearwardly to apply axial force on the pressure ring l8. In flexing during the normal operation of the seal, the fingers slide freely on the rear bearing surface 23 of the pressure ring to'main-f tain engagement of the seal with a coactive surface under desired pressure. Moreover, ring 18 radially confines the sealing element I6, reins forcing the same in this direction, in addition to maintaining the sealing face I! of said element in a radial plane at all times as theelement l6 shifts axially in operation. I

In initial condition the annular finger spring 2| has a fiat planar character, the conical or dished outli thereof being imparted ,to the spring in assembly, in the manner illustratedin Fig. 3A. The spring is telescoped on the inner mounting sleeve 1 3, against the flange I 9 of the latter. Diaphragm I5 is then placed over said sleeve, and.

clamping member is then telescoped over sleeve,

l3, jamming the finger spring 2| intosurface engagement with the flange L9, thereby dishing the spr n n clamping e a ts c r per tive relation.

Ill. the form illustrated, the angularity (lithe fla ges i t a i g ngs is impor a forz he wholly radial in its disposition and bears against.

a radial pressure ring 33 adhesively bonded fiush against the rear surface of sealing element 25. The diaphragm '24 is axially bellied as in the first embodiment.

It will be noted that pressure ring overlaps the outer periphery of element 25. Mounting member 3| conformed in the shape of a partially closed annular housingtoencloseathe spring and pressure ring, having an outer axial wall portion 34 terminating in an inwardly spun lip 35. This 'lip is engageable in the manner of a stop bythe overlap-ping portion of the pressure ring 33, to

thereby limit the axial movement of the sealing element. Positions of the parts in relaxed condition and under operative sealing condition are reason described inthe preceding paragraph.

The conical dished fingerspring enables point contact of" the fingers 2 2 againstthe rear ofthebearing. surface 23, as illustrated inl 'ig. 1-.

A sornewhat modified embodiment of the i-n- I I vention isillustratedin Fig. 4, characterized by a. similar integral construction of a diaphragm 24 andthe annular sealingelement 25 of a sealing membergenerally indicated 26. Theflat ter,

is fixedly clamped, along with a finger spring 21 similar to spring. 2!, between a, pair of clamp rings 28, 29. These are locked between the radial rear wall of the annular mounting member 31: r

and a'forward, outwardlyspun annular flang ops: the latter. Inthis case the finger-spring 2115 respectively illustrated in Fig. 4 in solid and in dotted lines. This form contains the primary advantages of that shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, and in addition the stop feature just referred to. In both embodiments described, the seal may be applied mother relationshipsthan the specific example shown, as regards its attachment to one or the other of a pair of relatively rotatable parts,

v the character of the running seal which it efiects, and the like. V

In Figs. 5 and 6, a further form of theinvention is shown, which employs a separate sealing element or nose piece 36 in lieu of the integral conformation on the diaphragm described above. In this embodiment the nose piece is. rearwardly and externally relieved for the reception of the inner periphery of the diaphragmBl, and the latter is clamped in the resulting recess by an annular clamping and pressure ring 38. ,The external periphery of the diaphragm is clamped between an annular in-turned flange 39 on the,

mounting member 48 and an angled clamping: element 4|. As in the preceding forms, the diaphragm periphery difiers from-that of the mounting member toproduce the axial fbelly." A plurality of leaf spring members '42 are clamped rearwardly of diaphragm 31' between the same.

and flange 39, these spr ngs engaging arear beare rf n t referred to ring ss,,-

' In Fig. 7 a very similar form is illustrated, the

parts merely being reversed foramounting of the sealon a central shaft, as distinguished from the embodiment of Fig. 5 which is designed to -be fixedly secured to a housing or the like. Accord- V ingly, the same reference numerals, primed, have been: utilized. a

InFigs. 8- and 9 finger spring, designated 43,1 employed to, ro-

tatively lock and absorbtorque between the mounting, member, generally designated 4.4.,-

the sealing member, generally ,designatedrAEJ In this form the majority of the spring fingersAS engage rearwardly of the diaphragm clamping. ring 41 tourge the sealing member 45 axially;

However, one or more, of thespring fingers particularly designated 48 is of greater length so.

as to radially overlie the rear; portion of ithe sealing member 45, which has apnotch or'slot 49.. milled therein to receive said finger. Aocording- 1y, finger or fingers 4,8 serve to absorb torque be.- tween -members 44, 45 in addition to; exerting axial thrust.

n h r neo ss-.. nd 11 thelsame objecltive is attained ina slightly different way. In this form all of the spring fingers 59. are of, equal length and bear aga nst -fih,e rear-portion of the d Sea g me b field. s lin m mber one o or rearw ly pr jec in locking I illustrate the provisions of 1 the invention adapted; in a ring wherein the.

lugs 52 adapted to be positioned in alignment with one or more of the fingers 50 to constitute a driving connection between the sealing member 5| and the other fingers, serving to couple the mounting member 53 to the sealing member and absorb torque therebetween.

Either of the above two forms has the advan tage that the function of absorbing or transmitting torque is removed from the diaphragm, designated 54 in each case, and imposed on the comparatively rigid finger spring, without loss of the latters function of transmitting axial force.

It will be observed that Figs. 8 and 10 illustrate clearly the principle of stretching the diaphragm radially somewhat in the mounting thereof, whereby to impart a belly to the diaphragm at 55, as mentioned previously. This enables free axial floating movement of the sealing members 45, 5|, without such tilting or canting as would interrupt a full sealing engagement with a coacting surface.

It will also be noted that in the forms of Figs. 8 through 11 the spring fingers have a rearwardly angled conformation at 56, terminating in a radial extremity 51 to enable unfailing location and retention thereof relative to the slot or slots 49 and the lug or lugs 52.

The principles of the invention are believed to be clear from the illustration and description of the preceding forms. The seal is characterized by a very desirable simplicity and economy of parts, is easy to install, and maintains a desired unit pressure sealing engagement between two relatively rotatable parts without excessive axial force and resulting friction and wear. In all of the embodiments, the thrust ring in fixed relation to the nose piece on the rear side of the latter serves to maintain the forward sealing surface thereof in a true radial plane during the movements of the sealing element in operation. Performance of this function is further facilitated by the bellying of the intermediate diaphragm in the zone between the sealing element and the point of securement of the diaphragm on the mounting member therefor. tending spring fingers of the peripherally clamped, annular spring slide freely on the rear surface of the aforesaid thrust ring. All of these features contribute to an improved trueness of sealing engagement and a lessening of frictional effects in securing the same.

What I claim is:

1. A seal comprising concentric annular mounting and sealing members, said sealing member including an annular, radial, flexible and resilient diaphragm of relatively soft, nonmetallic material fixedly connected at its margins to said mounting member and sealing member, a thrust member fixedly secured to said diaphragm in radially spaced relation to said mounting member, and an annular finger spring carried by said mounting member and provided with radially projecting fingers in radially slidable engagement with said thrust member to exert axial sealing thrust on said sealing member, said diaphragm and mounting member having axially The radially ex- 6. telescoped engagement and the telescoped e= riphery of said diaphragm normally radially overlapping the telescoped periphery of the mounting member, whereby the material of the diaphragm is in substantial radial compression when so telescoped and the diaphragm is radially bellied and relaxed between said members, said mounting member including a pair of separate, axially telescoped elements provided with similar radial extensions disposed at an acute angle to the axis of the seal and clamping said finger spring in an axially dished outline.

2. A seal comprising concentric annular mounting and sealing members, an annular, flexible diaphragm of relatively soft, non-metallic material extending radially between said members and connected respectively thereto, said diaphragm and mounting member having axially telescoped engagement and the telescoped periphery of said diaphragm normally radially overlapping the telescoped periphery of the mounting member, whereby the material of the diaphragm is in substantial radial compression when so telescoped and the diaphragm is bellied somewhat in the axial direction between said members, a relatively rigid thrust member of wear-resistant material adhesively bonded to said diaphragm in axial thrust-transmitting relation thereto, annular spring means on said mounting member provided with radially projecting spring fingers in radially slidable engagement with said thrust member to exert axial sealing thrust therethrough upon said sealing member, and means clamping said diaphragm and spring means to said mounting member, including a pair of elements on said mounting member having radial extensions inclined at an acute angle to the axis of said mounting member to clamp said spring means thereto in an axially dished sectional outline.

LOUIS G. KRUG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,892,332 Des Roches Dec. 27, 1932 2,122,477 Leonard July 5, 1938 2,127,982 Northrup et al Aug. 23, 1938 2,231,947 Rich Feb. 18, 1941 2,245,474 I-Iately June 10, 1941 2,251,012 Delaval-Crow July 29, 1941 2,275,307 Murden Mar. 3, 1942 2,289,274 Krug July 7, 1942 2,308,114 Schjolin Jan. 12, 1943 2,322,835 Dornhofer June 29, 1943 2,342,955 Meyer Feb. 29, 1944 2,375,085 Curtis May 1, 1945 2,377,452 Reynolds June 5, 1945 2,395,359 Vedovell Feb. 19, 1946 2,419,385 Beier Apr. 22, 1947 2,426,174 Bottomley Aug. 26, 1947 2,440,394 Cockerill Apr. 27, 1948 2,444,699 Hastings et a1 July 6, 1948 

